Automotive locking system

ABSTRACT

An ancillary ignition cutout switch and a fuel line valve are carried in a housing secured beneath an automobile floorboard. The housing includes a cage rendering the switch and valve inaccessible to unauthorized manipulation. A cylinder lock, the key slot of which is accessible from the floorboard is key operable to rotate the valve stem and open or close the fuel line. A cam rides on the valve stem to actuate the switch which completes the ignition circuit only when the valve is in the open position.

United States Patent [1 1 Nilson 70/243 Crisa Aug. 7, 1973 AUTOMOTIVELOCKING SYSTEM 2,439,978 41m Komchsn 10/455 H -w we 1801 M1 f'fii'i22335 52235111111111: ..::'.:....'.'.'.i.1"0/1.

Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, N.Y. 1 1372 FOREIGN PATENTS 0RAPPLICATIONS 92,402 5/1938 Sweden 1 1 PI'- N05 2701149 PrimaryExaminer-Albert G. Craig, Jr.

Attorney-Jeffrey A. Schwab [52] US. Cl 70/l.5, 70/243, 70/441,

70/455, 137/354, 137/384.2, 200/44, 200/61.86 [57] ABSTRACT E h gg gg Anancillary ignition cutout switch and a fuel line'valve [5 1 2 2 4 45 5are carried in a housing secured beneath an automobile 6 f l37354 206/44floorboard. The housing includes a cage rendering the I switch and valveinaccessible to unauthorized manipulation. A cylinder lock, the key slotof which is accessi- [56] References Cited ble from the floorboard iskey operable to rotate the D: STATES PATENTS valve stem and open orclose the fuel line. A cam rides 1,345,672 7/1920 Henckler ..L 70/243 onthe valve stem to actuate the switch which coml,21,7,406 2/1917 L-m 13pletes the ignition circuit only when the valve is in the 1,025,1054/1912 Youngs.. 70/242 open i i 2,399,033 4/1946 1-Iudson.. ZOO/61.861,531,970 3/1925 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB Hm sum 1 or 2FIG-3 AUTOMOTIVE LOCKING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field ofthe Invention This invention relates generally to automotive securitysystems for preventing the unauthorized operation thefts has been ofgreat concern, not only to the vehicle owner, victims, but to lawenforcement agencies, insurance carriers, and automobile manufacturersas well. Aside from the thefts which resulted from the automobileoperators failure to remove the ignition key from an unattended vehicle,and other thefts attributable to youngsters seeking to joyride, a greatproportion of thefts were the result of professional experienced theiveswho utilized variousdevices to either remove or otherwise bypassconventional automotive security locks.

The experienced thief removed conventional ignition locks, even thosewhich incorporated a steering wheel locking mechanism. One of thedevices employed to remove locks, the slammer," included a shaft havinga hardened pointed tip spiral thread at one end and a stop flange at theother. A slidable cylindrical weight was mounted to the shaft. The thiefobtained a biting engagement in the cylinder plug key slot by forcingthe pointed end of the slammer into the key slot and rotating the shaft.The cylinder plug was removed by slamming the weight against the stopflange thereby pulling the cylinder plug from the lock or the entirelock from its'mounting. Once the plug or lock was removed, a screwdriverwas all that was necessary to operate the ignition switch.

' Among the anti-theft devices heretofore employed, were auxiliaryignition switches, various burglar alarms and accessory steering wheellocks. In general, most of these accessory devices were subject to thesame unauthorized tampering as the vehicle locks which were originallyequipped with the vehicle. That is, the lock cylinder plugs and/orentire locks were subject to being pulled or otherwise removed and thesecurity mechanisms then operated by a screwdriver or a similarimplement.

A further problem with the security devices used heretofore was that agreat number were primarily directed toward an objective of preventing,unauthorized operation from but a single'mode. An accessory steeringwheel lock was directed toward preventing rotation of the steeringwheel. The ignition cutout switch was directed toward preventingoperation of the ignition system. A burglar alarm was directed towardproviding an audible signal upon unauthorized entry into the vehicle.

The experienced thief quickly effected a rerouting or bypass of suchsingular vehicle disabling mode. The steering wheel lock was avoided bypulling the cylinder, an ignition system was rendered operable throughthe use of jumper wires and a burglar alarm was quickly renderedinoperative.

Although key operated fuel line valves were proposed heretofore, e.g.,in U.S. Pat. No. 2,88l,789, they were, for the most part, susceptible tothe same tampering as other anti-theft devices and, once the lock waspulled, could be operated with a screwdriver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention provides both anancillary ignition cutout switch and a fuel line valve which areactuated through the rotation of a floorboard mounted cylinder lock andare inaccessible from within the vehicle. The switch and fuel line valveare positioned with a protective housing which includes a lock cagewherein the lock body is positioned. The lock cage employs a relativelysmall accessway through which an actuating mortise tail extends from thelock cylinder to the tenoned stem of the valve. If the cylinder lock orplug is pulled from above the floorboard, a spring loaded gate closesthe accessway to prohibit manual rotation of the valve stem and/oractuation of the switch through the use of conventional burglaryimplements.

From the above, it will be appreciated that it is an object of thepresent invention to provide an automotive security system which is soconstructed that it is not subject to any of the aforementioneddisadvantages.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automotivesecurity system of the general character described wherein a cylinderlock is employed to control theactuation of both a fuel line valve andan ancillary ignition cutout switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automotivesecurity system of the general character described which furnishesvehicles with both anti-theft and fire retardment protection.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide anautomotive security system of the general character described whichincludes a fuel line locking device in addition to an ancillary ignitioncutout switch to prevent unauthorized operation of the vehicle even ifthe conventional automotive ignition circuit has been bypassed.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anautomotive security system of the general character described whichincludes a fuel line locking device in addition to an ancillary ignitioncutout switch to prevent unauthorized operation of the vehicle even ifthe conventional automotive ignition circuit has been bypassed.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anautomotive security system of the general character described whereinthe system may be concealed from view to deter tampering.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automotivesecurity systemof the general character described wherein unauthorizedtampering with a vehicle disabling mechanism is prevented, even if thecylinder lock which actuates such mechanism is removed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automotivesecurity system of the general character described which is equallyadapted for original equipment installation purposes or as an automotiveaccessory separately sold for installation in vehicles in cur rentusage.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automotivesecurity system of the general character described wherein any one of anumber of conventional cylinder locks may be employed to actuate vehicledisabling mechanisms including both an ancillary ignition cutout switchand a fliel line valve.

Other objects of the invention in part will be obvious and in part willbe pointed out hereinafter.

With these ends in view, the invention has embodiment in certaincombinations of elements and arrangements of parts by which the saidobjects and certain other objects are hereinafter attained, all as fullydescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the scope ofwhich is more particularly pointed out and indicated in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings in whichis shown one of the various possible exemplary embodiments of theinvention,

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a typical vehicle, e.g., anautomobile, wherein the automotive security system of the presentinvention is employed, and illustrating on the floorboard of thevehicle, the portions of the system which are accessible from within thedriving compartment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective illustration of thesecurity system as shown in FIG. 1 wherein portions of the vehiclefloorboard are cut away to illustrate the vehicle fuel line and to showthe system in greater detail;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view through the system, the same takensubstantially along the plane 33 of FIG. 2 and showing an ancillaryignition switch and a fuel line valve positioned within a housingsecured beneath the vehicle floorboard;

FIG. 4 is a further sectional view through the system the same beingtaken substantially along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the system, the same being takensubstantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view through a protective housing ofthe system, same being taken substantially along the line 6--6 of FIG.4, with portions deleted for clarity, and showing the undersurface of alock cage within which the lock cylinder is carried and which providesan accessway and includes a spring biased gate which closes theaccessway upon removal of the lock;

FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration of several components of the systemand showing their relative interpositioning, and

FIG. 8 is a schematized illustration of the security system within thevehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to thedrawings, the reference numeral 10 denotes generally the security systemof the present invention. This system is designed for employment withinan automotive vehicle 12 and, in particular, is designed to provide bothan ancillary ignition cutout and a fuel line shutoff to precludeunauthorized operation of the vehicle 12. The system 10 includes aprotective housing 14 positioned beneath a generally planar guard plate16 which desirably is of a hardened metal. To install the system 10 inthe vehicle 12, a suitable aperture 18 (see FIG. 3) is provided throughthe floorboard 20 of the vehicle 12. The term floorboard generallyrefers to the flooring of the vehicle which is most commonly sheetsteel. The installation may be accomplished by first cutting through anyfloor covering l5 e.g. carpet etc. in the vehicle. The floor covering ispreferably cut so that a flap 17 of floor covering 15 may be provided toconceal the security system from view, thus rendering it unobtrusive andthereby increasing its theft deterrent capabilities.

It is most desirable to cut the floorboard aperture 18 in a region orzone such that the security system will conveniently intercept anautomotive fuel line 22 which extends beneath the floorboard from a fuelstorage tank 24 to a fuel pump 26 (see FIG. 8) for introduction to acarburetor (not shown).

The protective housing 14 includes substantially rectangular side andend plates 28, 30 respectively with the end plates 30 appropriatelynotched adjacent their lower edges to accommodate the fuel line 22. Thehousing is secured to the guard plate 16 adjacent the upper edges of theplates 28, 30. Exemplary of a suitable mode for securing the housing tothe guard plate 16 would be the formation of a one piece flange 32 atthe upper edge of each plate and spot welding the flange to the guardplate 16.

The guard plate 16 includes a central aperture of a size toaccommodatingly receive a cylinder lock such as a conventional rimcylinder lock 34. Although any cylinder lock may be utilized, it hasbeen found that a pick resistant lock cylinder is most desirable such asthe cylinder lock described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,984,202. This particularlock has also been found resistant to conventional modes of pulling. Theutilization of a hardened bezel 36 surrounding the face of the lock isadvantageous as a deterrent to tampering.

A cover plate 33 may be optionally provided to protect the face of thecylinder lock when the vehicle is not in operation. The cover plate 33may be pivotally secured to the guard plate 16 to close over thecylinder lock face. With the plate 33 covering the face, particulatematter such as dirt and/or small debris bits which may collect on thefloor covering will not enter the key slot.

As has been mentioned heretofore,'a cage 38 is pro'- vided within thehousing to accommodate the lock. The cage 38 is generally U-shaped andincludes a floor 40 and two upright side walls 42. As will besubsequently described, the floor includes a gated actuation accessway44 and suitable apertures for securementto the baseof the cylinder lock34. The cage 38 may be secured in the housing 14 prior to joining thehousing to the guard plate 16. To join the cage to the housing, the sidewalls 42 are fastened to the end plates 30 through any conventionalfastening mode, e.g., welding, rivets, etc. After the cage 38 is securedin position, the housing is affixed to the guard plate 16. The floor 40includes suitable apertures for a pair of machine screws 50 which areutilized to secure the cylinder lock within the cage 38 and prevent theunauthorized removal of the entire lock from the cage.

In accordance with the invention, rotation of the cylinder plug of thelock 34 through the use of a suitable key 48 cojointly actuates both anignition auxiliary cutout switch 52 and a fuel line valve 54, both ofwhich are positioned within the housing 14. The valve 54 is held withina valve mount 56 having a pair of substantially vertical legs 58, and anapertured top 60 from which a substantially L-shaped switch bracket 62projects. The top 60 includes central slot 72 to accommodatingly receivea valve stem 64 which is threaded for substantially its entire length.The stem 64 includes a pair of opposed substantially parallel flats 66adjacent its upper end to facilitate rotating actuation by providing anon-circular tenon. The valve 54 is secured in the mount 56 through theuse of a pair of stove bolts 68 extending into threaded sockets of thevalve 54. Each bolt includes a suitable nut 70 to bear against the top60. It will be appreciated however, that the head of each of the stovebolts 68 retains and secures a gland 74 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). Thegland 74 bears against the valve stem 64, yet permits rotation of thestem to actuate the valve. It should also be noted that the mount 56 isaffixed to a bottom lid 76 which slips over the otherwise open bottom ofthe housing 14.

As has been mentioned heretofore, a switch bracket 62 projects from thetop 60 of the valve mount 56. The bracket 62 includes a suitableaperture to facilitate the mounting of the switch 52 such that a switchplunger 78 may be engaged by a cam post 80 extending from a cam 82 whichrides on the valve stem 64. The cam 82 includes a non-circular apertureto mate with the flats 66 of the valve stem. The cam 82 is retained onthe valve stem 64 through the use of a conventional nut 84 threaded tothe stem. From an observation of FIG. 5 it will be appreciated that thecam 82 is contoured to provide rotation stops for both the open andclosed positions of the system by accommodatingly abutting against theheads of the stove bolts 68.

A tail 46 of the lock 34 rotates with the cylinder plug. To couple thetail to the valve stem 64 for coaxial rotation, a mortise sleeve 86 isprovided. The sleeve 86 is adapted to slide over the tenon end portionof the valve stem 64 which is formed by the flats 66. Preferably themortise sleeve 86 is secured at its upper end to the tail 46 or may beprovided in one piece therewith. An exemplary manner of securing thetail and mortise sleeve is through the utilization of a rivet 88 (seeFIG. 6) which extends through registered apertures in the mortise sleeve46 and the tail 86. Numerous optional modes of securement are available,e.g., cement, welding, brazing, crimping, etc. The hollow interior ofthe sleeve at its lower end accommodatingly receives and couples thetail 46 to the tenon end of the valve stem 64.

The sleeve 86 extends through the circular accessway .44 in the floor 40of the cage 38. The accessway is just sufficient to permit rotation ofthe sleeve. The floor 40 would thus provide a barrier to unauthorizedrotation of the valve stem should the cylinder lock or plug be pulled.If, for instance, a thief pulled the cylinder lock, he could not get animplement capable of grasping and rotating the stern, e.g., a pair ofpliers, etc. through the accessway.

A further safeguard against unauthorized actuation of the vehicledisabling mechanisms within the housing is provided in the form of agate 87 (see FIG. 6) slidably secured to the underside of the floor 40.The gate 87 is mounted for limited reciprocal movement between a pair ofparallel channel rails 89 extending on opposite sides of the accessway44. A spring 91 is biased between a boss 93 and the gate 87 to urge thegate against the mortise sleeve 86. Should the cylinder lock and/or plugbe pulled, the sleeve 86 will be lifted from the valve stem 64 andwithdrawn through the accessway 44 since the sleeve is secured to thecylinder tail 46 As'soon as the sleeve 86 is withdrawn, the gate 87 willslide closed to cover the accessway 44. A stop 95 is provided to limitthe movement of the gate.

With the gate 87 closed the valve stem and/or switch plunger 78 cannotbe actuated from inside the vehicle since the accessway is completelyblocked. Thus,.even if an implement similar to the mortise sleeve werepossessed by the thief, it could not be inserted past the gate 87 whichsnapped closed when the cylinder was pulled.

The locking system 10 of the present invention is utilized to interceptthe ignition circuit as illustrated in FIG. 8. It will be appreciatedthat the switch 52 is in a normally open position to be closed only uponengagement of the cam post against the plunger 78. Referring now ingreater detail to FIG. 8, it will be seen that in a typical applicationa lead extends from the ignition switch to the auxiliary cutout switch52. From the switch 52 a lead 92 extends to the ignition system of thevehicle to that portion of the circuit which would ordinarily beenergized directly from the ignition switch, e.g., an ignition coil. Thelocking system may also employ an optional indicator lamp 94 which wouldbe energized when the locking system is in the vehicle operating mode.

As initially mentioned, the locking system 10 is mounted through thefloorboard 20 of the vehicle and within a suitable aperture 18. Theaperture 18 is dimensioned to be larger than the transverse crosssectional dimensions of the housing 14, yet smaller than the dimensionsof the guard plate 16. It is most desirable to construct the guard plate16 of a hardened sheet metal and with the system securely mounted to thefloorboard by any conventional means, e.g., a lap weld 96 around theperiphery of the guard plate 16, bolts, rivets, etc. It will beappreciated that since the system is joined to the fuel line 22, even ifthe securement means between the guard plate 16 and the floorboard couldbe broken, the fuel line 22 itself would prevent the entire system frombeing lifted up through the floorboard. Thus, the vehicle would have tobe jacked up and the fuel line disconnected and bypassed aroundthe'housing from beneath the vehicle floorboard in order to operate thevehicle.

In installing the system 10 in the vehicle 12, the bottom lid 76 towhich the valve mount 56 and valve 54 are secured, is joined to thehousing after the housing and guard plate 16 have been secured throughthe aperture. It is of course necessary to move the gate 87 to its openposition from the undersurface of the cage floor 40 to permit themortise sleeve to pass through the accessway 44 whether the lock 34 isinserted before or after the guard plate 16 is secured to thefloorboard. The fuel line is coupled through the valve with the use ofsuitable conventional fluid line fittings (not shown), similar to thoseillustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,881,789. Such fittings may be atconvenient positions along the fuel line 22, it being appreciated thatin the drawings, the fuel line 22 is illustrated as extending directlyto the valve 54. However, the portion of the fuel line 22 as shown maybe originally permanently secured to the valve with the opposed endspatched into the existing fuel line.

It will also be appreciated that the entire system 10 is preferably mademoisture impermeable through the utilization of suitable seals such asthe grommets 98 which extend around the fuel line.

The value of the locking system in retarding vehicular fires should notbe underestimated. By closing the fuel line valve, the supply offlammable fluid to an engine compartment fire can be choked off. This isan especially meritorious safeguard in an unattended vehicle.Furthermore, its utility in preventing the fuel supply from reaching afire when the vehicle is occupied is of equal, if not paramountimportance.

The vehicle locking system will prevent unauthorized vehicle operation,even when conventional ignition locks are bypassed. Should jumper wiresbe used, the vehicle may start, however, the short supply of fuelbetween the fuel line valve and the carburetor will quickly becomeconsumed leaving the vehicle totally disabled, usually in a conspicuousposition, e.g., on a roadway, which position will deter the unauthorizedoperator from attempting to determine and correct the cause of the newdisablement.

it is further evident that the vehicle locking system of the presentinvention could be readily adapted for use in conjunction with asobriety testing device to enable the authorized operator actuatingaccess to the auxiliary ignition switch and fuel line valve only aftersuccessfully completing a neuro-physiological driving capability test.

Thus it will be seen that there is provided a security system whichachieves the various objects of the invention and is will suited to meetthe conditions of practical use.

As various changes might be made in the system as above set forth, it isto be understood that all matter herein described or shown in theaccompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. An automotive security system for use in a vehicle to preventunauthorized operation of the vehicle, said system comprising a cylinderlock having a rotatable element and adapted to be affixed with the facethereof within the driving compartment of the vehicle for actuation fromwithin said compartment, a housing adapted for positioning remote fromsaid compartment and behind the face of said cylinder lock, the cylinderlock extending into the housing, a mortise sleeve, means interconnectingthe mortise sleeve and the rotatable element (cylinder lock) for unitaryrotation of the mortise sleeve and the rotatable element (cylinder lockelement), a vehicle fuel line valve, said valve being positioned withinthe housing, an auxiliary ignition switch, said switch being positionedwithin the housing, the valve having a valve stem extending toward thelock, the valve stem including means forming a non-circular tenon end,the mortise being drivingly coupled to the tenon end for unitarysubstantially coaxial rotation of the stem with the element from a firstposition wherein the valve is open to a second position wherein thevalve blocks fuel flow therethrough, and means within the housingactuating the switch to complete the vehicle ignition circuit when thestem is in the first position, and to open the vehicle ignition circuitwhen the stem is in the second position, said housing including, meansforming a lock cage, means securing the cylinder lock within said cage,the cage including a floor, the valve and the switch being positionedwithin the housing remotely from the cage, the means interconnecting themortise sleeve and the element securing said mortise sleeve to the lockelement such that unauthorized removal of the cylinder lock elementdisengages the mortise sleeve from the valve stem and effects awithdrawal of the mortise sleeve through the accessway, the accesswaybeing sufficiently large for rotation of the mortise sleeve, yetsufficiently small to prevent rotation of the valve stem from inside thedriving compartment through the utilization of conventional burglaryimplements, whereby unauthorized operation of the vehicle is prevented.

2. A system constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cageincludes gate means for blocking the accessway upon withdrawal of themortise sleeve.

3. An automotive security system for use in a vehicle to preventunauthorized operation of the vehicle, said system comprising a cylinderlock having a rotatable element and adapted to be affixed with the facethereof within the driving compartment of the vehicle for actuation fromwithin said compartment, a housing adapted for positioning remote fromsaid compartment and behind the face of said cylinder lock, the cylinderlock extending into the housing, a vehicle fuel line valve, said valvebeing positioned within the housing, an auxiliary ignition switch, saidswitch being positioned within the housing, the valve having a valvestem extending toward the lock, the valve stem including means forming atenon end, means interconnecting the rotatable element of the cylinderlock for unitary rotation of the interconnecting means, the cylinderlock element and the tenon end, the interconnecting means and itsoperably linked elements rotatable from a first position wherein thevalve is open to a second position wherein the valve blocks fuel flowtherethrough, means within the housing actuating the switch to completethe vehicle ignition circuit when the stem is in the first position, andto open the vehicle ignition circuit when the stem is in the secondposition, and shielding means, said shielding means interposed betweensaid valve means and said rotatable element and having an accesswaytherein, said interconnecting means secured to said lock such thatunauthorized removal of said lock disengages said interconnecting meansfrom the valve stem and effects a withdrawal of the interconnectingmeans through said accessway, the accessway being sufficiently large forrotation of said interconnecting means, yet sufficiently small toprevent rotation of the valve stem from inside the driving compartmentupon removal of the lock through the utilization of conventionalburglary implements, whereby unauthorized operation of the vehicle isprevented.

4. A system constructed in accordance with claim 3 wherein the meansactuating the switch includes cam means engaging the valve stem androtatable therewith.

5. A system constructed inaccordance with claim 4 wherein the switchincludes a plunger, the cam includ ing a post for selective engagementwith the plunger.

6. A system constructed in accordance with claim 3 wherein a guard plateis provided, means forming an aperture in the guard plate, the cylinderlock extending through the guard plate aperture and the housing beingjoined to the guard plate.

7. A security system constructed in accordance with claim 6 furtherincluding a cover plate, means hingedly securing the cover plate to theguard plate for selective movement from a position covering the face ofthe cylinder lock to a position wherein the face of the cylinder lock isaccessible.

8. A system constructed in accordance with claim 3 further including anindicator lamp, circuit means interconnecting the indicator lamp withthe switch for operation when the switch is engaged to complete theignition circuit.

9. A security system constructed in accordance with 10. A systemconstructed in accordance with claim Claim 3 further mcludmg a Vehiclean engme, a 9 wherein the cylinder lock is on the floor of the vehifueltorage tank and a fuel the i "9" cle, the vehicle including a floorcovering, means formnectmg the storage tank with the engine, the vehiclefurther including an ignition circuit, means interconmg a flap m thefloor covermvg for concealmg the cylm' necting the valve with the fuelline, and means interlockconnecting the switch with the ignitioncircuit.

1. An automotive security system for use in a vehicle to preventunauthorized operation of the vehicle, said system comprising a cylinderlock having a rotatable element and adapted to be affixed with the facethereof within the driving compartment of the vehicle for actuation fromwithin said compartment, a housing adapted for positioning remote fromsaid compartment and behind the face of said cylinder lock, the cylinderlock extending into the housing, a mortise sleeve, means interconnectingthe mortise sleeve and the rotatable element (cylinder lock) for unitaryrotation of the mortise sleeve and the rotatable element (cylinder lockelement), a vehicle fuel line valve, said valve being positioned withinthe housing, an auxiliary ignition switch, said switch being positionedwithin the housing, the valve having a valve stem extending toward thelock, the valve stem inclUding means forming a non-circular tenon end,the mortise being drivingly coupled to the tenon end for unitarysubstantially coaxial rotation of the stem with the element from a firstposition wherein the valve is open to a second position wherein thevalve blocks fuel flow therethrough, and means within the housingactuating the switch to complete the vehicle ignition circuit when thestem is in the first position, and to open the vehicle ignition circuitwhen the stem is in the second position, said housing including, meansforming a lock cage, means securing the cylinder lock within said cage,the cage including a floor, the valve and the switch being positionedwithin the housing remotely from the cage, the means interconnecting themortise sleeve and the element securing said mortise sleeve to the lockelement such that unauthorized removal of the cylinder lock elementdisengages the mortise sleeve from the valve stem and effects awithdrawal of the mortise sleeve through the accessway, the accesswaybeing sufficiently large for rotation of the mortise sleeve, yetsufficiently small to prevent rotation of the valve stem from inside thedriving compartment through the utilization of conventional burglaryimplements, whereby unauthorized operation of the vehicle is prevented.2. A system constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cageincludes gate means for blocking the accessway upon withdrawal of themortise sleeve.
 3. An automotive security system for use in a vehicle toprevent unauthorized operation of the vehicle, said system comprising acylinder lock having a rotatable element and adapted to be affixed withthe face thereof within the driving compartment of the vehicle foractuation from within said compartment, a housing adapted forpositioning remote from said compartment and behind the face of saidcylinder lock, the cylinder lock extending into the housing, a vehiclefuel line valve, said valve being positioned within the housing, anauxiliary ignition switch, said switch being positioned within thehousing, the valve having a valve stem extending toward the lock, thevalve stem including means forming a tenon end, means interconnectingthe rotatable element of the cylinder lock for unitary rotation of theinterconnecting means, the cylinder lock element and the tenon end, theinterconnecting means and its operably linked elements rotatable from afirst position wherein the valve is open to a second position whereinthe valve blocks fuel flow therethrough, means within the housingactuating the switch to complete the vehicle ignition circuit when thestem is in the first position, and to open the vehicle ignition circuitwhen the stem is in the second position, and shielding means, saidshielding means interposed between said valve means and said rotatableelement and having an accessway therein, said interconnecting meanssecured to said lock such that unauthorized removal of said lockdisengages said interconnecting means from the valve stem and effects awithdrawal of the interconnecting means through said accessway, theaccessway being sufficiently large for rotation of said interconnectingmeans, yet sufficiently small to prevent rotation of the valve stem frominside the driving compartment upon removal of the lock through theutilization of conventional burglary implements, whereby unauthorizedoperation of the vehicle is prevented.
 4. A system constructed inaccordance with claim 3 wherein the means actuating the switch includescam means engaging the valve stem and rotatable therewith.
 5. A systemconstructed in accordance with claim 4 wherein the switch includes aplunger, the cam including a post for selective engagement with theplunger.
 6. A system constructed in accordance with claim 3 wherein aguard plate is provided, means forming an aperture in the guard plate,the cylinder lock extending through the guard plate aperture and thehousing being joined to the guard plate.
 7. A security systemconstructed in accordance With claim 6 further including a cover plate,means hingedly securing the cover plate to the guard plate for selectivemovement from a position covering the face of the cylinder lock to aposition wherein the face of the cylinder lock is accessible.
 8. Asystem constructed in accordance with claim 3 further including anindicator lamp, circuit means interconnecting the indicator lamp withthe switch for operation when the switch is engaged to complete theignition circuit.
 9. A security system constructed in accordance withclaim 3 further including a vehicle having an engine, a fuel storagetank and a fuel line, the fuel line interconnecting the storage tankwith the engine, the vehicle further including an ignition circuit,means interconnecting the valve with the fuel line, and meansinterconnecting the switch with the ignition circuit.
 10. A systemconstructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein the cylinder lock is onthe floor of the vehicle, the vehicle including a floor covering, meansforming a flap in the floor covering for concealing the cylinder lock.